Bertelsmann Deal
With Sony May Get
EU Approval Soon

A deal between Bertelsmann AG and Sony Corp. to merge their music divisions could receive European regulatory approval as early as mid-February, people familiar with the matter said.

The two companies formally notified the European Commission of their plans Friday. The regulator has about four weeks from the date of notification to either clear the merger, extend its initial review by two weeks or launch an in-depth probe that lasts...